Friday American Made Favorites Week 1

There is something magical about handmade and maker made goods. The idea that someone has built them with their hands with intention and detail and love and the transfer of energy. We were created to create and I firmly believe that should be celebrate. This year I want to highlight a few of my favorites each week. It will be a mix of goods from our shop and those by friends. Some weeks will have a theme. Some weeks will not.

This week’s five items are from our Christmas shop and are available on our website (folkgeneral.com)

Pouchette by Jennifer Lanne: I type this while two of Jennifer’s cow paintings watch me. Over the past year Jennifer, an upstate New York resident, has expanded her line of goods beyond just her original paintings. This Christmas we offered her pouchettes in the shop and they are truly beautiful and surprisingly durable. The large is the perfect for a laptop and the smaller works well as a cosmetic bag, cord bag, or iPad bag.

Pine Camp Candle by Lineage: These are always a best seller at our events. All of the Lineage scents are good, but the Pine Camp is a favorite. These are hand poured right here in the south.

Pinch Bowls by Black Rabbit Pottery: My collection of pottery is growing, but these small bowls are a total favorite. You will see me using them in coming cooking videos and photos. They are the perfect size to hold candles, sauces, seasons, or jewelry. The perfect pop to fit in just about anywhere. Each is handmade here in Kentucky. Each will differ slightly in shape and size.

Handbroom by Sunhouse Craft: Another favorite from Kentucky, which is a theme at our events here at the farmhouse. These are handmade in Berea by Sunhouse Craft. Completely made in an heirloom way. These will be new celebrated pieces for slow living in your home. I love the idea that they are both functional and beautiful. There is something strangely artistic about broom.

Beeswax Tapers by Thankful Sage Farm School: This year I have fallen in love with beeswax. There is a timeless beauty to it. Perhaps I have been charmed by the bee charmer in Fried Green Tomatoes. These tapers are made by Thankful Sage Farm School in Pennsylvania. Handmade using old fashioned ways they really do bring a homespun feel to anywhere I use them.

This year I want to encourage everyone to look beyond the HomeGoods and Hobby Lobby type stores and really learn about the goods that are made in your communities. There are so many talent makers and artists carrying on these soon to be forgotten trades and skills. This year we hope to help highlight and promote them. If you would like to suggest any makers please send me an email. (editor.folk@gmail.com)